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March 30, 2015

This year we're all about interesting folds that inspire the recipient to really interact with the card -- and keep it for a long time. One of our newest multi-tiered designs is the Note-Card-Z Fold die (NC705), a two-die set that includes the card shape and matching card mats. We've included a pocket shape to add to your card -- it fits a gift card perfectly.

We'll admit, the Z-Fold looks a little intimidating at first, but it's really one of the easier cards to put together. All you need is your paper of choice and embellishments to create a one-of-a-kind card everyone will love.

To see how simple it is, just watch Senior Designer Traci Armbrust break it down in this video tutorial.

Buy the Supplies

March 10, 2015

We're excited to announce the release of our March new release dies! These dies include some new ideas, along with new takes on popular dies. No matter the project, it's likely you'll find exactly what you're looking for with these additions to the AccuCut catalog.

Album-Baby Bottle

A new version of our popular A7 Cards-Baby Bottle (Pinnovation) die. This die includes everything you need, including the baby bottle shape, along with the components for the bottle nipple. Use it to create everything from custom baby books to shower cards and banners… you’re only limited by your imagination!

A2 Card Mats #2

Cut an entire mat for an A2 card in seconds with this A2 Card Mats #2 Die. The die comes with two modern mat shapes – one edged like a postage stamp, the other with an Art Deco design. Use them to mat cards, or cut with chipboard to make mini albums or layering pieces for scrapbook pages and other paper crafts.

Note Card-Z Fold

You’ll understand why we call this die a Z Fold when you create your multi-tiered card. This 2-die-set includes the card shape and matching card mats. Add the pocket that comes with the die fits a gift card perfectly. Fits a 12” x 12” sheet of paper.

Place Cards #4

Every important event needs place cards. Create dozens -- or even hundreds -- in minutes with this die. This Pinnovation die consists of four shapes, making it simple to create elegant place cards for weddings, baby showers, birthday parties and more.

Vintage Alphabets

You love the 11" and 1" letters, so now we're introducing more sizes! Choose from the 2 1/2", 4" and 6" letters for your project. Each letter is perfect for creating home décor pieces, scrapbook page embellishments and more! Plus, the vintage finish on this set gives it a classic yet on-trend appeal.

Vintage Numbers

The perfect companion to our popular Vintage Alphabet dies! In addition to the 11" set, we added 2 1/2", 4" and 6" numbers for your projects. Use the 10-die set to make everything from banners to signs. Individual numbers are also available.

Tell us: Which new die is your favorite?

February 24, 2015

Winning an Academy Award is the pinnacle achievement for actors around the world – it solidifies their place on top of the entertainment world. For businesses, being a part of the giveaways during the award show weekend is just like winning one of the gold statues. How? The extra sales that inevitably come from being associated with 2015 Oscar winners like Julianne Moore and Eddie Redmayne.

That’s what Massachusetts candymakers Shauna Iannuzzi and Melissa Diminico are banking on. They were enlisted to provide 15 celebrity VIPs with a special box of caramels made by The Candy Dish, located in North Andover. The two created the caramels, hand-dipped in milk and dark chocolate, for a certain guests that checked into the Beverly Hills Hotel.

As for the gold boxes? They enlisted the help of Patricia Martini with Soiree, Andover – an AccuCut customer – to make the glam packaging.

February 16, 2015

Quick: Name how many ways you're bringing revenue into your business in 2015. The first -- and probably largest -- source of income is product sales. Then what? If you’re grasping to come up with ideas, don’t worry! There are so many different ways to amp up your income in ways you’ve probably never even thought of, like:

Charging customers to use your GrandeMARK machine and dies.

Selling memberships that give them access to your crafting space during certain times.

Teaching classes on stationery design or cardmaking.

Designing personalized cards made to customer specifications.

One of the easiest – and most fun – ways to bring more revenue into your business is by selling pre-made card kits that include everything your customers need to create a card, like this one created for Easter using AccuCut dies.

The idea behind these pre-made kits – priced anywhere from $4-$7 -- is to dip your customers’ toes into the world of cardmaking by giving them everything they need to make a card. The hope is that they’ll love creating so much that they’ll purchase full-priced packages of paper, dies and embellishments to continue making cards on their own.

Ok, so you’re convinced, but where to start? Here’s what you’ll need to create this cardmaking kit:

Strips of paper to create extra embellishment and a surface for your sentiment

Your choice of sentiment stamped onto a white piece of paper for the "sign"

Buttons – for the flowers

Even the way you sell these pre-made kits is an opportunity for extra income. You could sell them as an inventory item with a simple cardmaking instruction sheet, or use them as part of a class where you charge customers $25-$30 for the kit and instruction on how to create the card.

This is only one simple way to bring extra income into your cash register this year. What other revenue streams are you creating this year? Share in the comments below and we'll feature your methods in an upcoming blog post!

January 07, 2015

At AccuCut, our biggest goal is to create dies that help our customers create more innovative and inventive craft and stationery products that both help save time and make more money. Not to brag, but we think our newest craft dies are the best yet. Get to know our new dies and add them to your craft arsenal for 2015. You can also get an up-close-and-personal look at them – and the type of projects they can create – at CHA this year! Stop by booth 747 and we’ll be happy to show you just what they can do.

Album-Accordion Pocket ($75)

Stop flipping pages and start "fanning out" your albums with this fun die. Use the die to create as many pages as you need for your album and adhere together with the tabbed pages. You can also cut pocket pages from the die, giving you the option to tuck additional photos or cards within the album. The only limit with this die is what you can dream up!

Album Builder-Owl ($150)

Whooooo loves this fabulous album die set created by Cheryl Mezzetti? The set comes with a cover, two owl bodies and all the accessories you need to customize your little feathered friend. Use the album in conjunction with the Album Builder-Base #1 or Album Builder-Base #2 to create a custom album that you can keep as a scrapbook or give to friends or family.

Album 3-D Flip Flop ($165)

The third new fabulous die set created by Cheryl Mezzetti. This 3-D card is one of the most interesting cards ever: The multiple flaps and pockets give you plenty of space to add photos, sentiments and embellishments – and the recipient will have a ton of fun flipping through the card.

Make perfect wedding invitations and RSVP cards with this Pinnovation die! Print your stationery design (four up) on letter-sized paper using our template. Then, using the registration pins as your guide, position the paper on the Pinnovation die and use your GrandeMARK to quickly cut them out.The Envelope-4 Bar #2 is specially made for this size card and includes a trendy square flap.

Note Card-Napkin Fold ($90)

Another 3-D card requested by crafters like you! This square shape looks like a regular card, but it folds out into a larger shape with space to add a personalized message. You can also opt to craft a “ribbon” to hold the card closed, or simply insert it into an envelope to keep it together. Shown with Flowers #6 (F1445LC), Frames Convertibles Set (CM514) and Tags #4 (T1042 Mini).

Box-Popcorn ($90)

No, you aren’t seeing things: This is a new version of our popular Box-Popcorn die. The only difference? It’s now a Pinnovation® die, meaning you can use the templates to print directly onto your popcorn boxes! Just think off all the fun things you can make with this Pinnovation® die: Birthday party favors, bridal shower gifts… the options are endless!

Box #29 ($75, $90 and $105)

This hexagon-shaped box can be used to give trinkets, or insert a message on the inside flat surface for a three-dimensional fold-out card. Box #29 is available in three sizes, making at least one the perfect size for your project.

A2 Card-Easel ($120)

A fun new take on three-dimensional cards! This card pops up into a fun little easel you attach a strip “holder” to the front (included in the three-die set) with foam tape. The card can also be turned into a pocket card with an insert (also included in the set). Don’t want to make a 3-D card? The A2 Card-Easel can also be used as just a pocket card for whatever occasion you’d like.

Box-A2 Card Holder ($65)

These cute little creations look like magazine holders, but they’re the perfect size to store cards you make or cards from others you want to keep. This box also features the Blossoms (3-D) Die (CM512LC).

Vintage 11” Numbers ($455)

The perfect companion to our popular Vintage 11” Letters! Grab the whole set of 10, or purchase individual numbers for $50 each. What can you make with the numbers? Everything from banners to signs – the only limit is your creativity!

Wedding Invitation Set #2 (7-Die Set) ($770)

Amp up your wedding stationery business with this collection that includes everything you need to make complete wedding invitations, place cards, signs and more. It’ll pay for itself with just a couple of clients!

January 02, 2015

Winter CHA is almost here!

The annual mega-meetup of craft and stationery enthusiasts and 400 international exhibitors is set for January 9-13 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. Better news: AccuCut will be back this year at booth 747.

What’s New for CHA

AccuCut experts Jen, Traci and Cindy will be on hand to introduce you to our newest dies that’ll make their big debut at CHA (stay tuned for a sneak peek at the new dies next week!). You’ll also be able to get up-close-and-personal with the new GrandeMARK 2 and see how much more room you’ll gain in your craft space with the latest version of the groundbreaking die-cutting machine.

Also, you’ll be able to get your hands on our brand new AccuCut catalog for 2015. It’s filled with some of your favorite dies, along with new ones and a bunch of great project ideas.

Are you going to CHA? Tell us below! We’d love to visit with you during the show.

December 29, 2014

Silly question… we know you appreciate your die-cutting machine. After all, it helps you save oodles of time and, in turn, make more revenue for your business.

Loyal AccuCut customer Ying Lee of Cal-Le-Graphy showed just how much she loves her GrandeMARK during a dangerous hurricane. The talented custom stationery creator literally walked through water to save her machine.

"I know that this sounds crazy, but my house got hit with Hurricane Sandy and I ran downstairs NOT to save my paper works or furniture or clothing but to save my GrandeMARK machine and the dies," the New Jersey resident told us in an email. "I actually treaded three feet of water. So it says a lot about how I feel about your product! You can come over and you can still see the water marks in my basement."

That’s dedication! We’re so happy that Ying’s GrandeMARK made it through the storm unscathed, but we’re even happier that she made it through the storm with only a water-logged basement.

Ying isn’t the only big fan of the GrandeMARK. We constantly get testimonials from customers who rely on their machines to keep their businesses thriving.

"I was very satisfied with my GrandeMARK purchase," Melanie wrote on our website. "I was really torn between the Sizzix Big Shot Pro and the GrandeMARK. It was definitely the right purchase. The handle is smooth and easy to turn. The machine is big enough and heavy enough that it doesn't flop around on the table. All the YouTube videos I saw of the Sizzix needed a second hand to hold the machine down. Not this guy."

"Definitely worth the investment and it has allowed me to produce an amazing range of custom products for my clients!” Danielle wrote. “Set-up the machine within 10 minutes (include clean-up of the packaging) and was cutting immediately with no flaws! It is so easy to use and with the template downloads of the dies, I know the cuts will be perfect and can delegate the task to an intern."

Now is the perfect time to invest in a new die-cutting machine to help grow your business in 2015, especially since we just introduced the newest version of our machine, the GrandeMARK 2. The GrandeMARK 2 is still the same die-cutting machine you know and trust, but the sides also fold up, freeing space in your craft room when it’s not in use. We also just introduced the GrandeMARK 2 Conversation Kit, which lets you transform your original GrandeMARK into a GrandeMARK 2.

But, back to Ying’s story. We were blown away by her love for the GrandeMARK and it got us thinking: What’s the funniest/most unconventional way you’ve used your machine? Sound off below and you – and your business -- could be featured in an upcoming blog post!

November 11, 2014

What's the weather like in your neck of the woods. We just received our first blast of cold and snow here in Nebraska and it's really putting us in the mood for the holiday season.

"C'mon," you're thinking, "It's way too early to be decorating for Christmas!"

Yes, you're right... putting up holiday decorations the second week of November is pushing it, but that doesn't mean we can't start some of the preparation. The biggest thing you need to prep before the holidays? Cards, of course.

Make Christmas Cards With Wafer-Thin Dies

That's where Top Dog Dies comes in. Top Dog Dies, a sister company of AccuCut, specializes in wafer-thin dies that are meant to embellish cards and paper crafts of all types. Have a card die from AccuCut? Cut out your shapes with the GrandeMARK and then use a tray adapter to cut out your Top Dog Dies wafer-thin die shapes.

And as for the holiday-themed shapes available at Top Dog Dies? There are tons, including shapes from popular brands like Tattered Lace, Little B, Lawn Fawn and more. Top Dog Dies also sells a line of exclusive wafer-thin dies with a variety of holiday-themed shapes, including newly introduced dies like:

Which dies are you going to add to your collection during this 50% off sale?

October 21, 2014

If you’re like me, you get a serious case of craft envy when you look at all of the different DIY projects on Pinterest.

This is especially true with Christmas cards. Really, how do these craft masters come up with such unique creations? Well, I'm going to let you in on a little secret: They use dies. And you know what? You can be one of those craft masters envied by thousands -- or at least by your friends and family -- with one of the many unique card dies available in the AccuCut Craft store.

Use these creative Christmas cards to inspire your own creations this year. And for even more card inspiration, visit our Project Gallery.

Snowflake Cascade Card

Cascade cards are all the rage this year... and the Note Card-Cascade die ($75.00) takes all the tedious scoring out of creating one. Senior Designer Traci Armbrust also added the Snowflake #1 - Small die ($55) to create a fun winter wonderland feel to it, too.

Christmas Step Card

Step cards are a fun alternative to standard single-fold Christmas cards. Use the A7 Card-Step #2 die ($75.00) to create a 3-D holiday card without all the extra cutting and scoring.

Merry Christmas Stair Step Card

This is one Christmas card your recipients will proudly display into the new year! The A2 Card-Stair Step - Crease Jumbo die ($65.00) gives you plenty of room for customization with the 3-D feel.

Designer Nancy Hawes put her own spin on the angel art doll by adding plenty of texture and paint.

Mixed Media Art Doll Accessories-Elf

The Mixed Media Art Doll Accessories-Elf is the perfect way to make little boy art dolls. Traci's little guy, Edgar the Elf, is even clutching a present. Wouldn't think make a cute Christmas tree ornament. We could even see him clutching a gift card instead of a present to give to someone special on your list.

September 30, 2014

We’re excited to introduce you to seven new die sets we’ve been busy creating over the past few months. Each die has a place in your collection -- and they're all perfect for those upcoming holiday projects you're already busy planning.

Album-Mitten

Warm hearts when the temperatures dip down low with the Album-Mitten set. This two-die set includes everything you need to make beautiful winter-themed albums and wall decorations.

Or, use a folding technique to create a card. Includes two large mitten shapes with accessories, a snowflake and a snowman.

Album-Explosion Box #3

It's a functional box with two different choices of lids, but when that is removed the sides fall down to reveal multiple flaps that you can embellish and decorate with a personalized message. Now sized to fit in your Big Shot Pro!

What will you create with our seven new dies? Share in the comments below!

August 19, 2014

You'll fall in love with three new card making dies and two new Pinnovation dies. Starting with one of my favorites, Notecard-Cascade No more measuring and scoring for you. Simply cut it out and assemble. Click on the link and watch the video to see how simple it is to create.

A2 Card-Stair Step is so simple yet when folded creates a huge statement. Use this card all year long for simply every occasion.

A7 Card-Step #2 is an awesome addition to our other step cards. This card gives you plenty of room for embellishments of all kinds.

Escort Cards #3 Mats are the perfect way to get a finished look These coordinate with Escort Cards #3. So elegant yet so easy to create. Use throughout your event. From seals to place cards these are sure to be a hit.

Escort Card-Tag is last but certainly not least. You just can't go wrong with a tag, and now that we made it into a Pinnovation and the great size of an escort card, you'll have a hard time not using this die in all your events and party creations.

I can almost hear all the card and party planning minds kicking into overdrive out there. These are fabulous dies that will save you time. Have fun!

July 08, 2014

So here is something super exciting! AccuCut is re-releasing our Cards In Nothing Flat™line of pop-up cards. 15 cards that are sure to stir up a card making frenzy in each and every one of you. This is a line of cards that we released over 10 years ago and were designed by a talented designer named Chris Hankinson. If Chris's name sounds familiar it might be because he is the designer of the 2013 presidential Christmas card.

Here are a few of my favorite designs of the Cards in Nothing Flat. The designs to choose from are from simple to intricate. I know you will find your favorites or maybe you'll have to have them all. One thing is for sure, they are a unique experience for those making and receiving these beautiful cards.

June 09, 2014

You are going to love our new Card in a Box die. What makes our die unique you might ask? Well check out the mats. You can cut perfect mats in seconds to accent your box, or is it a card?

Create a beautiful presentation to give for any occasion. Use die cuts (Accents-Spring and Hearts #1, stickers, photos or whatever you like to make something that is like nothing else your recipient has ever seen.

Check out the video to learn how to assemble this fun and interactive Card in a Box.